Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;
Ver. 13. Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness.] This was Jehoiakim, cuius iniusta et insana aedificia hic accusantur; who would needs be building, but whether by fight or by wrong dealing, regarded not. This was to incur that curse. Isa 5:8 Habakkuk 2:9 ; Hab 2:12 See Trapp on " Isa 5:8 " See Trapp on " Hab 2:9 " See Trapp on " Hab 2:12 " Such injurious and therefore accursed builders were the pyramid makers in Egypt, Tarquinius Priscus, Caligula, Nero, Phocas, a who is said to have heard this voice from heaven, Though thou shouldst erect thine edifice as high as heaven -
“ Aedificans aure, sedesque in sidera mittens, ”
yet sin, that lieth at the foundation, will soon overturn all. Bernard inveigheth against some in his time, who did, with great care and cost, erigere mutes, negligere mores, build high manors, but not amend their manners, which should have been their chief care.
That useth his neighbour's service.] His "neighbour" he was, though his vassal and poor labourer.
And giveth him not for his work.] This is a crying sin. Deu 24:14-15 Jam 5:4 See Trapp on " Jam 5:4 "
a Sueton.; Niceph.